Saint Avold Cemetery

Saint Avold American Cemetery: A visit to the Saint Avold American Cemetery adds greater compassion and understanding to the sacrifices made during World War II. It seems that everyone is familiar with the battlefields and cemeteries of Normandy, where thousands of visitors walk the hallowed ground each year. However, it was surprising to us to learn that the largest American cemetery in Europe is the one in Saint Avold. Saint Avold Cemetery is beautifully set in gently rolling, wooded countryside just north of the town of Saint Avold. Upon arrival, you can leave your car in a parking area just outside of the dramatic gated entrance, which is adorned with a bronze eagle. A short walk leads to undulating lush green lawns that are enclosed by a distant forest. The well-manicured landscaping is elegant with flowering shrubs, walkways bordered by roses, and a lush lawn dotted with oak, beach, maple, and hawthorn trees. There is nothing to mar the beauty. Everything is serene and tasteful. Tears cannot help but come to your eyes as you view row upon row, of simple, pure white, marble crosses that seem to stretch forever. The graves of soldiers of Jewish faith are marked with the Star of David. Four Medal of Honor recipients are buried here: their headstones inscribed in gold leaf. In Saint Avold there are 10,489 graves, including soldiers and airmen from every state in America, as well as fallen soldiers from Puerto Rico, Panama, Canada, Mexico, and England.